Atlanta PD on the scene of the latest NFL fan violence outbreak Casey Nichols/ WSB-TV
The San Fransisco 49ers will soon be making their way to the Big Easy as they dispatched the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. I would say congratulations and welcome to the Big Easy. All for one thing that keeps me from saying it. Startling news out of Atlanta that a 49ers fan stabbed a Falcons’ fan is part of a disturbing trend.
A witness told Channel 2′s reporter Rachel Stockman that a Falcons fan, was upset about the team’s loss. Sources aren’t clear on whether or not the fan had been drinking, but a Falcons’ fan began arguing with a 49ers fan in the parking lot outside Gate D of the Georgia Dome. The argument turned violent when the Atlanta reportedly punched the 49ers fan. The 49ers fan resorted to pulling a knife out and stabbing the man in the throat. The Falcon fan was then taken to a local hospital for obvious reasons.
The 49ers aren’t unfamiliar to violent fans and thuggish behavior. ESPN’s Outside the Lines programs hosted by Bob Ley just in the past year did a special report on fan violence in the NFL and it’s affect on the fans. Needless to say the outcome and results aren’t pretty.
The 49ers fans are coming to New Orleans and this recent spout of violence isn’t something the NOPD will put up with in or out of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The days of fighting like a man are apparently over. It seems that some fans of football are more willing to take after Ray Lewis than Muhammad Ali. It’s a shame, the idea of live to fight another day is trumped by the idea of hiding behind a gun or knife to spill blood than losing a little pride with their fists. If the 49ers fans or any other fans think that behavior that leaves to lives loss will turn the stomachs of New Orleanians you may be right. You (future criminal) may also get the surprise of your life as New Orleans for all its’ charm is not new to the idea of murders being shown on the nightly news. I pray that all who come will be safe and smart in their dealing with locals as well as visitors. This is New Orleans, the city that unfortunately is near the top in murders every year. If you think you’re the only one bringing a knife to a fist fight you might be mistaken down here. You may just be the only one bringing a knife to a gun fight.
Related articles
- Report: Fan stabbed in neck after Falcons’ loss (espn.go.com)
- Fan fight outside Georgia Dome leads to stabbing (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- Report: Fan stabbed in neck after Falcons’ loss (tracking.si.com)
- Report: Fan stabbed after Falcons lose to 49ers (onlineathens.com)
And you’re right!!
This behavior that San Francisco fans r known for is one reason I pulled against them n their quest to compete n the SB! My younger brother happens to b a member of the NOPD. I pray that all fans will remember that a game is just that, a mere game. Lives r so much more important. Have fun & enjoy ur time n the greatest city of all. If ur lucky enough to attend this wonderful party, do so w/ Thanks n ur heart. May God b w/ u all!